Barnstable Public Schools agreed to pay the parent plaintiffs in a sex discrimination suit $150,000 in a settlement approved by the U.S. District Court of Massachusetts, June 16.

Lisa and Robert Fitzgerald brought suit on behalf of their daughter over the handling of what they describe as ongoing harassment of their then-kindergarten-aged daughter by a third-grade student on the bus to and from Hyannis West Elementary School in 2000 to 2001. The family was seeking $2.5 million in the suit brought against Supt. Dr. Russell Dever and the Barnstable School Committee.

“The Plaintiffs believe and submit that the terms of settlement are fair and reasonable and in the best interest of their daughter in light of the injuries suffered by the Plaintiffs and the benefits that will inure to the Plaintiffs as a result of this settlement, as compared to the risks that would be associated with taking the case to verdict,” the approved settlement reads.

The total payment to the Fitzgeralds after legal expenses and fees are considered is $72,688.25, according to the settlement document.

The initial case was decided in favor of Barnstable Schools, but the family won the right to reopen certain claims dismissed earlier in those proceedings from the United States Supreme Court in February. The settlement is brought under provisions of Massachusetts General Laws.